US trial could reveal who paid hackers to target Exxon climate critics: ‘on the edge of our seats’
A US court case involving Israeli private investigator Amit Forlit may reveal who commissioned a hacking operation against climate activists in 2015. Court documents suggest the operation was ordered by a lobbying firm representing ExxonMobil.
Why it matters
The case could provide legal accountability for corporate-sponsored cyberattacks against environmental advocacy groups.
Oil giant has denied involvement, but climate activists are closely watching court case against Israeli private investigator for answers
A group of American climate activists are closely watching a US court case that could reveal who hired hackers to target their inboxes a decade ago.
In 2015, a set of explosive media reports revealed that ExxonMobil’s own scientists determined as early as 1982 that the extraction and burning of fossil fuels caused the climate crisis – but Exxon went on to fund climate denial campaigns anyway. The reports prompted attorneys general to investigate the company .
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